Jesse Lingard raring to go after returning to full fitness

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

Jesse Lingard secured a point for United against Arsenal

Manchester United’s Jesse Lingard is determined to “bounce back” from a frustrating start to the season.

The 25-year-old established himself as a key player for club and country last season as Jose Mourinho’s men finished Premier League and FA Cup runners-up, before helping England reach the World Cup semi-finals.

Lingard’s exertions came at a cost, though, as a groin injury that he had carried since Russia lied him low for a month, with the attacking midfielder only scoring his first United goal of the season when securing Wednesday’s 2-2 draw at home to Arsenal.

Mourinho’s men sit eighth in the league and eight points off the Champions League spots after the entertaining draw with Unai Emery’s side.

Asked if there was still confidence within the dressing room of reaching the top four, Lingard said: “Yeah, I think we believe as a squad.

“It’s a long way to go in the season, so for us it’s about taking every game as it comes and trying to get the three points. That’s the main thing.

Advertising

“Especially this month there’s a lot of games, so we need everyone in the squad to be fully fit. Obviously there will be a lot of rotation, but everyone is there to play and show 100 per cent in each game.

“I mean, everyone that came off the bench showed their fighting spirit. We’re in it as a team. We had to put on a performance for the fans and show the passion on the pitch for them.”

Lingard knows the players owed a response following the meek 2-2 draw at struggling Southampton – a result that saw fingers pointed and pressure mount.

“There’s always pressure on people’s shoulders when it comes to Man United and it’s how you deal with the pressure,” he said.